GM Recalls Over 100,000 Vehicles Because of Defective Seatbelts

February 24, 2011

Seatbelts are the most important safety feature in a motor vehicle and are responsible for saving over fifteen thousand lives per year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, a defective seatbelt, especially one that appears to be functioning correctly, can create a false sense of security leaving a vehicle occupant completely unprotected in the event of a serious auto accident.

General Motors Company recently issued a recall of over 100,000 crossover vehicles because of defective seatbelts that could fail in the event of an auto accident. Vehicles covered by the GM recall include 2011 versions of the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.

This recall of crossover vehicles with defective seatbelts follows a larger recall of crossovers that was also prompted by defective seatbelts and affected over 250,000 GM vehicles. A defective seatbelt means that a car crash victim is far more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or wrongful death by being ejected from the vehicle or having one's head and neck slammed around inside the vehicle during a collision. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or suffered wrongful death in a Georgia car accident, Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, will represent you with the dedication, passion and commitment you should expect.

GM has indicated the recall is related to a defect that could cause the seatbelt buckle anchor for the front seatbelts to come apart in a car crash. This defect where the seatbelts appear latched but the latch is not fully engaged is referred to as "false latching." False latching is a particularly dangerous problem because the seatbelt looks and may even sound like the buckle and latch is fully engaged. However, the release button can be stuck in a position that it is partially depressed so that the seatbelt is not really locked into place and will release if the vehicle experiences a significant impact.

Defective seatbelts with false latching problems can create challenges in serious car accident cases or wrongful death lawsuits. The insurance company will typically argue that the vehicle occupant was not wearing a seatbelt in an effort to mitigate the damages paid for the injuries to the accident victim. Depending on the facts and seriousness of the case, an experienced Georgia auto accident attorney may utilize an accident reconstruction expert who will carefully investigate the vehicle, seatbelt restraint system and other evidence to determine if the accident victim was not wearing a seatbelt or was wearing a seatbelt that failed. When an accident victim suffers catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, this evidence can be critical to the accident victim or their family receiving appropriate financial compensation.

If you have been seriously injured or your loved one has suffered wrongful death in a serious Georgia auto accident, including situations where serious injuries were worsened or caused by a defective seatbelt, Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, will carefully investigate and carefully develop an effective strategy so that you receive the compensation you need and deserve. We work hard for our clients and are committed to providing exceptional service, as part of our goal of being the best auto accident lawyers in Georgia.

Our experienced Georgia auto accident lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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